Why does 74hc595 work "better" without GRND (pin 8) grounded?

for not being ace at this and delivering perfect material. Would probably not need the help if I was already good at it..

Being able to take a decent photograph of what you have is not a transferable skill with wiring up. My wife could take a photo but have no chance of wiring up a matrix.

I am not sure what sort of help anyone could offer if you hide most of the facts from them. We can't read minds you know.